Jeter and A-Rod Split on Brewers’ Mindset After Rays’ Game 4 Escape

“Now, can they win? Of course. But trust me, that doubt is there,” Alex Rodriguez said on FOX’s postgame show after the Milwaukee Brewers lost their chance to finish a World Series sweep.

Rodriguez and Derek Jeter differed over how Milwaukee would carry Tampa Bay’s 4–3, 12-inning victory into Game 5. David Ortiz joined the discussion with host Kevin Burkhardt in FOX Sports’ full Game 4 postgame program, uploaded October 28. The game began October 27 and finished after midnight EDT, leaving the Brewers ahead 3–1 in the series.

Jeter sees a favorable position; Rodriguez sees doubt

Jeter pointed to Milwaukee’s series lead and the chance to give Jacob Misiorowski the ball with a championship available. Pat Murphy had confirmed Misiorowski as his Game 5 plan in a news-conference clip shown during the program.

“They understand that this is going to be difficult. Beating the best team in the American League four times is difficult to do,” Jeter said of the Brewers.

Jeter acknowledged the disappointment of losing a game that could have ended the series. He nevertheless expected Milwaukee to feel good about its next opportunity with Misiorowski.

“This is the guy they would handpick to have out there with an opportunity to win a World Series,” he said.

Rodriguez immediately challenged that assessment. He imagined a team returning to a clubhouse prepared for a celebration, then having to absorb a defeat after coming within three outs of the title. His account of a player telling his wife that Milwaukee had blown a chance was hypothetical.

“Trust me when I tell you, you start this season in February, we’re almost in November, you’re three outs away,” Rodriguez said. He argued that even with another chance to win, the missed opportunity could leave doubt.

Ortiz on contact and pressure

Ortiz’s explanation of Tampa Bay’s winning inning centered on what the Rays did after Joey Ortiz’s throwing error allowed Junior Caminero to reach in the bottom of the 12th.

“They take advantage of your mistake. They take advantage of the situation,” David Ortiz said.

Caminero then went from first to third on Liam Hicks’ single before Cedric Mullins replaced him as a pinch runner. Jonny DeLuca’s single tied the game, and Ben Williamson eventually supplied the winning infield hit. The complete Game 4 recap follows the scoring and includes both teams’ full statistics.

Rodriguez singled out Caminero’s first-to-third advance because it brought Milwaukee’s infield in. Ortiz credited the runner’s read and awareness of the outfield situation.

“You got to stay focused so you can take advantage of situations,” Ortiz said.

Rodriguez also examined Joey Ortiz’s throw across the diamond. He said a longer bounce would have given first baseman Jake Bauers a better chance than the short hop that helped extend the inning.

“When in doubt, bounce it long and give your first baseman a good look,” Rodriguez said.

The next pitching decision

The discussion turned to how both managers could assemble Game 5 after the extra innings. Milwaukee’s Aaron Ashby had thrown 31 pitches in 2⅓ hitless, scoreless innings, according to the official final box score. Rodriguez considered his workload a factor in how much the Brewers might ask of him again.

Kevin Cash, who appeared at the desk earlier in the program, had not announced a Tampa Bay starter in that interview.

“It’ll be interesting how we navigate through tomorrow’s game with our pitching,” Cash said.

Jeter was reluctant to ask Drew Rasmussen to work on three days’ rest. “I think it would be unfair to ask him to do that,” he said. Ortiz favored asking whether Rasmussen could contribute one or two innings. Burkhardt’s follow-up described a possible offer from the pitcher; the panel was discussing options, with Cash’s decision still open in the recording.

Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, at 8 p.m. EDT at Tropicana Field. FOX’s pregame coverage begins at 7 p.m. EDT, according to Burkhardt’s closing announcement.